To promote international reading collaboration and cultural exchange, the National Library of Public Information has established "Window on the World" on the 3rd floor of its main building, creating a multilingual, multi-themed international collection zone. Following the France and Germany collection areas, the "Czech Collection Area" opened in September 2025, inviting readers to step into the Czech literary world through books and embark on a vibrant journey of Czech culture.

The National Library of Public Information (NLPI) joined forces with Czech Centre Taipei and the Czech Economic and Cultural Office to unveil the "Czech Collection Area" on September 26, 2025. This features nearly 100 curated Czech literary classics and contemporary titles, complemented by signature exhibits like traditional Czech puppets (louka) and folk costumes (Kroj), guiding readers from books into Europe's landscapes and deep Czech literary-cultural heritage.

Picture Books Spark Collaboration - Czech Collection Takes Shape 

The Czech Collection Area sits on the 3rd floor of NLPI's "Window on the World" zone, featuring olive green—symbolizing peace and hope—with window-shaped shelves conveying "read the world through its windows." Multilingual, cross-cultural books offer borderless reading adventures.

NLPI's Multicultural Services notes the October 2024 "World Picture Book Center" launch featured curator Tomáš Řízek's exhibit, sparking Czech ties. In 2025 Taipei Book Fair, Director Ma Xiang Ping forged partnerships with Czech Centre Taipei and the Cultural Office for sustained reading exchanges.

April 2025's "Here and Now: Contemporary Czech Comics" previewed diverse literary art. September's grand opening synced custom shelves and special shows, heralding fresh Taiwan-Czech cultural dialogue.

Multilingual Collections - Exploring Czech Literary Landscapes 

The Czech Collection Area extends selections from "Here and Now: Contemporary Czech Comics," showcasing new gems like 2023-2025 Magnesia Litera winners and classics from the Česká knihovna project, offering a literary feast. Rare Czech originals join English/Chinese editions spanning classics, cultural guides, and comics by Franz Kafka, Bohumil Hrabal, and Milan Kundera.

Czech Economic and Cultural Office rep David Steinke spotlights the Anča a Pepík (Annie and Joey) comic series by Lucie Lomová—Czech kids' top pick for decades, blending whimsy and cultural depth.

Expanding New Horizons - Creating Cross-Cultural Reading Spaces 

The Czech Collection Area marks a key step for NLPI in advancing international reading and cultural exchange. From exhibitions to comics and classics in multiple languages, readers explore Czech culture via Kafka, Hrabal, Kundera, and child-friendly Anča a Pepík series, experiencing reading as a bridge to the world. This expands collections while enriching library functions—children enjoy fun comics, adults delve into translated masterpieces, forging connections to imagined realms. NLPI will partner further with global institutions for diverse, inspiring spaces that truly dialogue with the world.